Gov. Eno’s ARISE Agenda: Results over childish tantrums

By Solomon Essiet

While Governor Umo Eno is diligently going about his duties, sometimes working late into the night to attract positive results and move Akwa Ibom forward, some individuals, like children, have resorted to throwing tantrums in his direction.

Be assured: Governor Umo Eno will never lose focus in pursuing the Arise Agenda of the Golden Era administration.

Tantrums, by definition, are emotional outbursts of crying, screaming, or aggression, common in young children due to a limited ability to express intense feelings like frustration, anger, or the desire for independence.

They usually occur when emotions become overwhelming, often triggered by fatigue, hunger, or illness. In politics, as in childcare, tantrums are best managed with calmness and focus.

Recently, the calm and peaceful political atmosphere in Akwa Ibom came under attack, aimed at creating instability in the polity. The mischief makers, a set of disgruntled elements, have been circulating unsubstantiated remarks about the results-oriented administration of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno.

Yet, the fact remains: Governor Eno has stayed focused, working tirelessly to deliver the dividends of democracy to the Akwa Ibom people.

The tantrums being thrown in a failed attempt to destabilize the Governor are baseless, mere figments of the traducers’ imagination. Otherwise, how does one explain the ridiculous claim that Governor Eno is deducting 15% from aides’ salaries as a tithe? Since when did tithe become 15%?

This is not only laughable but also a demonstration of frustration, anger, and emotional instability, borne out of personal failures projected on the Governor. It is time such individuals learned to carry their own cross.

Some now behave as if Governor Eno is the cause of their personal problems. Someone wakes up in the morning and cannot urinate; it’s Governor Eno. Another travels on a bad road, it’s Governor Eno. Life is about choices, and it is more honourable to stay in your lane after a failed political calculation than to blame others. If you supported the wrong candidate, accept that reality rather than making Governor Eno your scapegoat.

The other day, one of these “crying toddlers” admitted that Pastor Umo Eno once invited him to work with his campaign team, but he declined, choosing instead to host a political debate. Now, out of frustration, he calls out the Governor. But, as they say, mad men lack shame; the shame usually goes to their families. Do these political toddlers have families to caution them?

If so, it is time to call them to order before this entitlement mentality spirals further.

Those who follow my writing know I am not confrontational by nature. But I will not tolerate baseless attacks on my principal, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno—the Governor of Akwa Ibom State—who earned his integrity and dignity through hard work in both the private and public sectors.

In the coming days, I will continue to set the record straight. Clearly, those working against the Governor’s Arise Agenda lack both ideas and knowledge of the massive development unfolding in just two years of his administration.

What Akwa Ibom people voted for is good governance, not personal aggrandizement. And indeed, Governor Eno is delivering not just good governance but inclusive governance.

This is the Governor who successfully, peacefully, and tactically reconnected the State to the national center after years of political missteps that left Akwa Ibom as a “minority of minorities.” For this, he deserves accolades, not spurious criticisms. The era of blackmail for political favour is over. To benefit from this government, you must be productive and contribute positively.

When you lose out in political calculations, the solution is not to fight the system but to retrace your steps, like the prodigal son, or wait for the next political season. Making unnecessary noise only heats the polity. Akwa Ibom belongs to all Akwa Ibomites, and for now, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno is the Governor.

There can only be one Governor at a time. Stop offering unsolicited advice if you are not a designated adviser. Look for another role, or wait for your turn. Enough is enough.

Let it be clear: mistaking the Governor’s humility for weakness will be a costly error. In the coming days, the media must be more organized in showcasing his achievements, especially as we celebrate Akwa Ibom’s anniversary this September. Enough of the campaigns of calumny.

For those still ignorant of the audacious projects spearheaded by Governor Eno, here are some: Senior Citizens Centre; Command and Control Centre; Ibom International Convention Centre/Hotels; General Hospital, Ibiono Ibom and Judiciary Village.

Also, Doctor’s Quarters, AKBC House construction; International Market, Ikot Ekpene; General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium; AKICORP Building; Arise Dialysis Centres (1 per Federal Constituency); Industrial Park; Correctional Centre; Ibom Hotel, Abuja; Ibom Model Farm & Arise Farm Settlements and Rehabilitation of the House of Assembly Complex, Uyo.

As well as Court of Appeal Complex, Uyo; AKWAGIS Building; Ibom Multi-Specialist Hospital; Aviation Village; Ibom Tower, Lagos; Ewet Luxury Gardens; Arise Park; Ferry Boats for Marine Transportation; Maritime Jetty, Ferry Terminal & Cold-room facilities, Oron and Four Model Secondary Schools (one per Senatorial District).

Exco Clinic & Airport Clinic; Mother & Child Hospital; Maintenance at Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort; Chairman’s Lodge; Citi Bus/CNG Scheme; Arise Shopping City, Uyo; ARISE Sports Academy, Eket; Legislative and Executive Quarters; Arise Fish & Seafood Processing Centre, Ibaka; Fencing of Industrial City/Ibom Deep Seaport; and Ukanafun General Hospital

Plus numerous road projects across the 31 LGAs of Akwa Ibom State.

These are the stories we must tell, the projects we must highlight, the progress we must project—so that together, we can achieve unimaginable growth for our dear State.

Arise, that same God.

Essiet, ACIA
Writing from Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, the Raffia City.